McCardell: 'Nothing was resolved'

In an attempt to open a line of dialogue between himself and the team, Bucs holdout receiver Keenan McCardell flew to Tampa on Monday to meet with coach Jon Gruden.

However, it appears that McCardell would have been better off staying home as the talks went nowhere.

"While I have not changed my feelings or intentions concerning my situation, I decided to fly into town to personally meet with Coach Gruden in an effort to come to a mutually beneficial resolution to my holdout, whether by trade or otherwise," McCardell told the St. Petersburg Times.

"We both aired our views concerning the situation. Unfortunately, nothing was resolved, so I will return to Houston to continue my holdout. I continue to appreciate the support of my teammates, family and friends during this period."

McCardell is scheduled to earn $2.5 million this year and $2.75 million in 2005. But after making 84 catches for 1,174 yards and eight touchdowns last season, the two-time Pro Bowl selection wants to be paid closer to the average salary for No. 1 receivers in the NFL.

A year ago, that was about $4.4 million.

The Bucs confirmed McCardell's visit but team spokesman Jeff Kamis said "the situation remains the same."

The team has maintained McCardell must honor the four-year, $10-million contract he signed in June 2002.